We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jasmine Mcilvenny. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jasmine below.

Jasmine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I really wanted to get into photography after I got my engagement photos done because I really liked how looking at the images invoked so much emotion in me. I just knew when I looked at the images I was glad I invested in my photographer and I wanted to be able to do that for other people and even more capture my growing family on my own time. I love learning how to edit, photograph from different angles, and utilize different lighting situations to help me embody the client’s vision and bring it to life. It’s been a fun thing to learn, but at the end of the day, I really want my clients to feel excited, beautiful, empowered, and confident when they look at their images and be happy that they booked with me. I really take pride in making my sessions easy going as well because it helps people relax and then you can bring out the true emotions of the client and capture it. I want them to have fun and to remember that experience was memorable in the best ways. I want them to come back and tell others that they had fun or that it was professional, but they also got images that they could cherish for a lifetime. Even more I’m not able to capture my kiddos and they grow up. I can capture those special moments because before you know if they’re just so big and you’re asking yourself where did time go? I knew at the end of the day I wanted to create beautiful art and images that speak for themselves.

I feel like I can succeed in this business because I’m a go getter. If I want to learn something I’ll practice the skills needed to master it and improve upon it. If I don’t know how to do something I will utilize my resources and networking to figure it out. I will never know all there is to know because there is always room for improvement in any craft or career. But also because I’m passionate about it. Usually where passion meets skill I think the opportunities are limitless.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I took the leap of faith and bought my first camera at Best Buy and started by taking pictures of my baby girl in the comfort of my home. Eventually after watching countless videos and joining various Facebook groups to learn more about the art of photography I branched out and started asking my friends and family for sessions to improve upon my skill. Even to this day if I don’t have a client, I turn my kitchen into my studio and practice portraits on my dogs, my husband, my kids, soda cans, etc. It helps me practice lighting and so much more in the comfort of my home. It also allows me to just experiment to see what works and what doesn’t. I can then take that knowledge and apply it to my sessions.

I think what sets me apart from other photographers is that while it is a business of mine, I am flexible with my packages for clients. I want my clients to be able to receive quality work and not have to feel like it’s something they will never be able to obtain. I knew that feeling when I did my research, and it felt defeating. Especially with today’s economy. This is not my fulltime career, so it allows me to have the flexibility. I want to know what their specific vision is. Each time I have done a session is has never been the exact same. I work with my clients on their concepts, and we create masterpieces together. I also love to trade services with other creatives whether it be makeup artists, designers, hairstylists, you name it. I am a strong advocate for supporting other small businesses and artists, so I love when people reach out for collaboration projects

I am most proud to be a very personable and easy-going photographer. For some people having their picture taken can make them feel a little awkward if they’re unfamiliar with poses or having a giant camera lens pointed at you can be intimidating. I let my clients know right off the bat to let me know if something feels uncomfortable or if they want to try something unique. At the end I ask if there’s anything else they can think of that they want me to capture before we wrap up the session. I want to make sure we captured everything we could in the timeframe we had to work.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is that you have the ability to create what you feel is art and attract clientele based on your product. It gives you the opportunity to be creative and free from sticking inside the box. You can really do what makes you happy and be your own boss when it comes to your project which is great!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

What drives my creative journey is the concept of not losing yourself in motherhood. I have a full-time job, a husband, and two beautiful kids on top of my side hustle. So, life can get a little stressful at times. I chose this as a way to make others feel comfortable, confident, and empowered, but it was also a way to remind myself to keep doing things that I love. To remind myself that it is okay to have me time. I have to show up for myself and take care of me so I can take care of the one’s I love. Photography helps me do exactly that. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this though without the support of my family and my husband. They are hands down the backbone of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jasminemcilvennyphotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: jasminemcilvenny_photography